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Refining Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Refining Engineer information

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$28K

$94.5K

$171K

How much do refining engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for refining engineer in the United States is $94,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refining Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refining Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical engineering, process optimization, and safety standards, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS), control systems, and certifications like FE or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you excel in diagnosing and improving refinery operations. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible refining processes.

What are some typical challenges a Refining Engineer faces when optimizing refinery processes?

Refining Engineers often encounter challenges balancing process efficiency with safety and regulatory compliance. They must troubleshoot complex equipment or process issues, adapt to fluctuating feedstock qualities, and implement technology upgrades while minimizing downtime. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams is crucial to address these challenges and ensure that refinery output meets both quality standards and production targets. Staying updated on industry best practices and technological advancements also helps in overcoming these hurdles.

What are Refining Engineers?

Refining Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and optimize processes within oil refineries and petrochemical plants. They are responsible for ensuring that crude oil is efficiently converted into useful products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel while meeting safety and environmental standards. Their work involves troubleshooting equipment, improving process efficiency, and implementing new technologies to enhance production. Refining Engineers often collaborate with other technical teams to solve complex engineering problems and ensure the continuous, safe operation of refinery units.

What is the difference between Refining Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectRefining EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Petroleum, or Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; certifications like Six Sigma are common
Work EnvironmentOil refineries, petrochemical plants, energy sectorsManufacturing plants, chemical processing facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil and gas refining industryBroader across manufacturing and chemical industries

Refining Engineers focus specifically on oil and gas refining processes, optimizing operations and safety. Process Engineers have a broader role across various manufacturing sectors, designing and improving production processes. While both roles require similar technical credentials and work in industrial environments, Refining Engineers specialize in the petroleum industry, whereas Process Engineers work across multiple industries.

What cities are hiring for Refining Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Refining Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Refining Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Refining Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refining Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,521 per year, or $45.4 per hour.
Intern/Co-op - Refining Mechanical Engineer (Fall 2026)

Intern/Co-op - Refining Mechanical Engineer (Fall 2026)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

El Paso, TX

$32.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Marathon Petroleum rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 199 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

An exciting career awaits you

At MPC, we're committed to being a great place to work - one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities:

As a Mechanical Engineer at a Marathon refinery, you can expect to become familiar with industry codes and best practices, build critical thinking skills, and gain an understanding of how all engineering disciplines work together as a cohesive team. You will also gain knowledge of various aspects of a refinery by working with a team of professionals who run a specific portion of the refining process. Most often, Mechanical Engineers will have an opportunity to work on more than one area of the refinery, leading to a broad understanding of how the plant operates. Finally, you will have the opportunity to expand your written and verbal presentation skills in a professional work environment.

The majority of Mechanical Engineering co-ops and interns enter into the following positions:

Area Refining Engineer/Project Engineersdevelop and use project management skills to create project scopes, estimates, and schedules. Once a project is developed and approved, you, as the project manager, will oversee the design effort and assist in the construction process. MPC will provide training and educational opportunities to help you develop your knowledge of other engineering disciplines. We are committed to developing engineers into professional project managers who can successfully manage projects of all sizes.

Reliability Engineerssupport the refinery's Maintenance Department through design and development of equipment related improvements. Such improvements include root cause failure analysis, optimization of maintenance programs in rotating equipment (pumps, compressors, etc.), and troubleshooting fixed equipment (refinery pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping systems, etc.). Reliability Engineers will also be continuously challenged to find new technology in design, materials and repair methods to achieve refinery goals of longer running times at lower costs.

Qualifications:

  • Candidates must be majoring in Mechanical Engineering
  • Strong academic performance
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the US on a full-time indefinite basis without the need for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Positions are available spring, summer, and fall semesters
  • Availability for multiple work terms is preferred
  • A valid driver's license is required
  • Concurrent enrollment in a degree seeking program
  • Military experience a plus
  • MIN - $32.31 per hour / MAX - $40.89 per hour

Learn more about Marathon Petroleum's benefits at www.mympcbenefits.com

As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.

Location:

Findlay, Ohio

Job Requisition ID:

00018186

Pay Min/Max:

$0.00 - $999.99 Hourly

Grade:

HRLY1

Location Address:

539 S Main St

Additional locations:

Anacortes, Washington, Canton, Ohio, Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Detroit, Michigan, El Paso, Texas, Garyville, Louisiana, Kenai, Alaska, Mandan, North Dakota, Martinez CA Refinery, Robinson, Illinois, Salt Lake City, Utah, St Paul Park, Minnesota, Texas City, Texas, Wilmington, California

Education:

High School (Required)

Employee Group:

Part time

Employee Subgroup:

Intern

Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available atmympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability

We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.


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About Marathon Petroleum

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, US, is a leading independent petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company. Their official website can be found at marathonpetroleum.com. The company, part of the energy sector, was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest petroleum companies in the US. It operates an integrated refining, marketing and transportation system concentrated primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, East Coast, Southeast and Gulf Coast of the United States. This includes refineries, pipelines, and terminals that process and transport crude oil and refined products.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Findlay, OH, US

Year founded

1887